Seventeen
Oakshire Brewing

 

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing opaque black in the glass with a thin khaki head that dissipates to patches with slight lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt, Aroma of dark toasted malt, molasses, licorice, bakers chocolate and woody oak. Flavor follows, with dark toasted malt with light char, licorice, bakers chocolate, woody oak. Chocolatey oak finish. Medium to heavy bodied with thick creaminess, great, almost unctuous mouthfeel. The base malt in this is really dense, which enhances the deep chocolate and licorice flavors. Nice barrel character with just enough woodiness to add interest without being astringent. Not much oaky vanilla, but still shows off the barrel time well. I've liked the Hellshires over the years, but I think this might be the best imperial stout from these guys. Nice to have a barreled stout that delivers even without previous spirits influence. A fine anniversary offering. Happy birthday, Oakshire.